An outspoken Conservative MP has been criticised after claiming she thinks the
Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant, as she told an audience a Royal baby would
be “good for the economy”.

The remarks, which appear to be speculation rather than any insider knowledge, were made during a debate at the Duchess’ former school Marlborough College.

Speaking as part of a panel, Perry told an audience of more than 250 people: “I think Kate Middleton is pregnant – and that would be good for the economy.”

Her outspoken comments have already been condemned as “unhelpful” and “none of her business” by Royal observers.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers wondered whether Mrs Perry might be “trying to make a bit of a name for herself” by making controversial comments, adding: “Unless she has visited the same gynaecologist it strikes me as extremely unlikely she might know.”

He said: “It’s quite clearly none of her business to make remarks of that kind, and presumably it is not very helpful either.

“She seems to be a bit of a loose cannon, and this is probably more loose cannon fire from Mrs Perry.”

He added it was inevitable that people would speculate about a future Royal baby, but said that MPs doing so in a public arena was “going a bit off beam”.

Royal observer Ingrid Seward said: “It’s very unhelpful for her to say that. She would have no insider knowledge.

“It will be the best-kept secret of all time. There is no way they would want people to know before it was appropriate.

“Historically there has always been speculation about this sort of thing, and of course you cannot stop people saying what they want.

“I should think the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are probably pretty used to it but also pretty fed up with it.”

She added the prospect of the Duchess of Cambridge being pregnant was “highly unlikely”, pointing out the Royal couple are scheduled for an overseas tour as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations later this year.

Labour MP Chris Bryant, who was also speaking at the debate, said had no wish to condemn Mrs Perry for her remarks, but admitted other people had commented on it being “a bit distasteful” and “a bit odd” after the event.

Explaining the panel had been asked whether the Olympics would be good for the economy, he said: “I don’t know how it ended up with whether Kate Middleton was pregnant or not.”

Sue Buxton, secretary of the Labour Party group for Devizes, said: “I think it’s totally inappropriate. It’s a total invasion of their privacy.”

Since their marriage last year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have endured almost constant speculation over whether they are expecting a baby.

Any slight change in the Duchess’ physiology is carefully assessed by elements of the international press, with a single photograph of her carrying a bag in front of her stomach inspiring hope and excitement in Royalists.

Last year, some commentators insisted she must be pregnant after she refused a taste of peanut paste at an engagement.

Earlier this year, the Duke of Cambridge told an American television channel: “It is quite strange reading about it, but I try not to let it bother me.

“But I'm just very keen to have a family and both Catherine and I are looking forward to having a family in the future.”

Mrs Perry, who has been hailed as one of the Conservative Party’s “rising stars”, appears in danger of gaining something of a reputation as a colourful figure.

Last year, in the House of Commons tea room, she questioned whether she needed to perform a sexual act on Speaker John Bercow in order to be heard in a debate.

In a separate incident, she referred to the “swinging ---- culture” of the City of London on Radio 5 Live.

Earlier this month, she accidentally disclosed her private telephone number on social-networking website Twitter.

She is also reported to have telephoned a senior political journalist to embark on a frank conversation, incorrectly believing him to be children’s minister Tim Loughton.